Heading to the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles with the COP’AICHA Team

Horus Pharma supported the team comprising Pascale Taddéi Valenza and Corinne Elena during the 35th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco, which took place from 2 to 8 April.

This all-female competition brought together 320 participants, comprising 160 teams, for a sporting and human adventure in the heart of the Moroccan desert.

An all-female adventure in the heart of the Sahara

The Aïcha des Gazelles Rally is a unique event, contested exclusively off-road in demanding conditions. Without GPS or technological assistance, the crews navigate solely using a map and a compass. Here, performance is not measured by speed, but by precision: the aim is to reach as many checkpoints as possible whilst covering the shortest possible distance. An approach that tests strategic thinking, rigour and team spirit.

For Pascale, an experienced navigator, and Corinne, a former employee of Horus Pharma and motorsport enthusiast, this first participation in the Rallye des Gazelles was an intense and formative experience.

A race dedicated to empowering women

Beyond the sporting challenge, Pascale and Corinne have added a charitable dimension to their participation by supporting the Franco-Afghan NGO Begum, which works to promote the education and empowerment of women and girls in Afghanistan. Since 2021, it has notably run Radio Begum, an educational media platform offering training, health and cultural content aimed at women who lack access to education.

By supporting this team, Horus Pharma has chosen to partner with an initiative that resonates with its values of commitment and solidarity. This support is part of a broader commitment to backing projects that promote women’s independence and help raise their profile.

An environmentally committed rally

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles also stands out for its commitment to sustainability: notably, it is the only car rally in the world to be ISO 14001 certified, with a structured environmental approach ranging from waste management to minimising its impact on the regions it passes through. This ecological commitment aligns with Horus Pharma’s approach, which integrates sustainability considerations into its operations and partnerships, notably through its Eco’Ophtalmo programme, dedicated to reducing its environmental impact.

A journey marked by solidarity

Looking back on the rally, what stands out most for Corinne and Pascale is the human aspect of the adventure: nights in the desert, technical setbacks, but also genuine connections between the teams. They highlight the strength of female solidarity, mutual trust, and the ability to face up to and bounce back from difficulties together.